1910.23(b)(1): Even Ladder Rungs and Steps
Employers must make sure ladder rungs, steps and cleats are parallel, level and evenly spaced when the ladder is in position for use.
Key takeaways
- 1910.23(b)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 13 times in the last 3 years, in 13 inspections, with $74,349 in current penalties.
- Most citations: DE (1), NC (1), OR (1).
- Related part: 1910.23(b) General requirements for all ladders (683 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.23(b)(1) is one requirement inside 1910.23 Ladders, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(1) Ladder rungs, steps, and cleats are parallel, level, and uniformly spaced when the ladder is in position for use; 13 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.23.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: DE (1), NC (1), OR (1), CA (1), KS (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ALPINE PLYWOOD CORPORATION | TWO RIVERS, WI | $16,550 |
| TYSON FOODS, INC. | HILLSDALE, IL | $16,550 |
| SIMMONS ANIMAL NUTRITION, INC. | BRIDGEVILLE, DE | $14,733 |
| 68971 - WILD FLAVORS INC | ERLANGER, KY | $7,000 |
| ATHENS FOODS, INC. | BROOK PARK, OH | $6,809 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.23(b)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.23(b)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.23(b) General requirements for all ladders 683 citations
- 1910.23(b)(10) 281 citations
- 1910.23(b)(9) 162 citations
- 1910.23(b)(8) 150 citations
- 1910.23(b)(13) 37 citations
- 1910.23(b)(12) 10 citations
- 1910.23(b)(2) 10 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What does 1910.23(b)(1) require?
Ladder rungs, steps and cleats must be parallel, level and uniformly spaced when the ladder is in position for use.
Does this apply to all ladders?
It is one of the general requirements for ladders in general industry.
Why does spacing matter?
Uneven rungs can cause missteps and falls.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.23 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.